What are you doing , Janice ?   I am reading the book on patent and I think it will be helpful for my work   Patent ? Are you also learning something about patent ?   Yep ! I heard that your company is registering a new trademark .   You are well-informed . Can you tell me something about the Patent Law in our country from the book you are reading ?   I just read this in the whole afternoon . Let me show you .   So coincidental . Actually we can exchange some information on this problem .   The purpose of the law is to protect and encourage inventions and to promote the development of science and technology . The law came into effect in 1984 , and it consists of 8 chapters with 69 articles .   Is there any provision on applying for the patent for foreign company ?   Foreign companies should appoint a patent agency , which is designated by our government to act as his patent agent . This task is usually taken by the Patent Agent Department .   How long is the duration of patent right for an invention according to your Patent Law ?   15 years . 